Damaged boardwalk / NPS

Canaveral National Seashore is moving forward with a major upgrade to its boardwalks. A new construction contract has been awarded to build stronger, more sustainable walkways, kicking off in early December 2024. This project is part of the National Park Service’s commitment to building infrastructure that’s both eco-friendly and prepared to handle future storms.

Over the past few years, hurricanes have taken a toll on the park. Hurricanes Ian and Nicole in 2022, and most recently Hurricane Milton in October 2024, caused significant damage to the boardwalks in the Playalinda and Apollo Districts. These boardwalks are vital for beach access while protecting the delicate dune ecosystem. The new boardwalks will use durable, sustainable materials that are easier to maintain and designed to stand up to extreme weather. They’ll also have a smaller footprint, with a 40% reduction in size, to further preserve the natural landscape.

“Our goal is to protect Canaveral’s amazing resources while making sure visitors can continue enjoying the beach safely and sustainably,” said Superintendent Carmen Thomson. “This project is a win-win, reducing maintenance costs, protecting sensitive dune systems, and safeguarding habitats for endangered species.”

Construction will begin after sea turtle nesting season to avoid any impact on the turtles—a top priority for the park. The timing reflects our commitment to balancing necessary improvements with ecosystem conservation.